Enter Englishtown, the brainchild of Richard Vaughan, a Texas business student who came to Spain to teach English in the 1970's and never left. After teaching English in a traditional classroom setting, Vaughan recognized that the "best way to truly understand any language is to actively participate in it." In 2001, Vaughan created Englishtown, an eight-day intensive English immersion program for mid to high level Spanish executives. Twenty "students" and 20 English speaking volunteers (known as "Anglos") spend 15 hours a day exchanging conversation, culture, customs, and congeniality. There is only one major rule. No Spanish allowed. All of the Spanish executives speak at least intermediate English. But, when a simple English word like "run" has 87 distinct uses in the dictionary, it's no wonder there are difficulties. Throw in slang and different accents and the confusion compounds.

Thus, Englishtown is not about teaching the Spaniards to speak English. It is not about power-point presentations on English grammar and pronunciation rules. It is all about "real world" communication. It is basically a talkathon. Beginning at breakfast each day, two students are paired with two Anglos at each table. At lunch and dinner, there are new pairings. In between dining and wining (yes, wine is served with most meals), there are multiple 50-minute one-on-one conversation sessions and group interactions. Before and following dinner, there are skits, games, scenic walks, music and dancing activities that all reinforce the primary objective.increasing the students' English speaking proficiency, understanding, and comfort level.

There's no arguing with the success of Englishtown. The idea is so innovative that the program won the "Best Awards 2003" prize in Spain. For the last three years, over 3,000 people have participated in the program. Many of the Anglo volunteers have returned for repeat assignments. Ozzi Purdi of Fort Myers, FL has participated in seven Englishtown programs. She extols the benefits of lasting friendships and personal growth and adds, "Participation in Englishtown is one of the most rewarding, satisfying and entertaining things I have ever done."

Repeat participant, Bill de las Cases from Alexandria, VA, echoes Purdi's sentiments and adds that, "Most of the time when we travel we only get the chance to interact briefly with hotel or restaurant employees. The beauty of Englishtown is the opportunity to really get to know people and form lasting friendships."

Shane Stokes, a journalist from Ireland and Englishtown participant, says "The biggest single lesson from my participation in Englishtown is that no matter where people are from, they have far more in common than they do in contrast." Stokes was so enthralled with Spanish countryside and people that he intends to eventually make Spain his home.

Englishtown programs take place in three very different venues, each offering unique charm. The original Englishtown is in Valdelavilla, a previously abandoned town that has been restored, refurbished and is loaded with rustic charm. (Talk about unique. Valdelavilla happens to be a nature preserve for vultures.) Then, there is Gredos, a plush four-star hotel near the town of Barco de Avila with panoramic views of the Gredos mountain range. Finally, Englishtown in La Alberca is a modern four-star complex in the south-west corner of the Castile region. La Alberca is the first town in Spain to be declared a national historic site.

Where's the catch to this "free" working vacation? First, you must provide your own air transportation to Madrid and pay for one night in a hotel before and after the program. Once in Madrid, transportation to the Englishtown program is provided along with lodging, meals, and entertainment while at Englishtown. Also, be prepared for long days and nights. Mornings begin with breakfast at 9 a.m. There is a two-hour siesta after lunch. At 5 p.m. there are several more hours of conversations and group activities. A leisurely dinner at 9 p.m. is once again followed by, of course, more conversation and socializing. Past Anglo participant, Bill de las Cases laughingly said he rarely got to bed before midnight and strongly suggests taking full advantage of siesta time to rest your vocal chords, relax and recharge.

If this sounds intriguing, how do you qualify to participate in Englishtown? Participants come from all walks of life. There are CEO's, writers, musicians, doctors, social workers, retirees, and students. Ages range from the late teens to the eighties. Main criteria for selection: Anglos with an outgoing personality and enthusiasm, who love to talk, enjoy helping others, and learning from others. Sessions at the three venues are planned, and plenty of Anglo volunteers will be needed, including those from the medical sector to share their English and experiences with 20 physicians from all over Spain during a special program in Valdelavilla in May. There is also a teen program seeking teen Anglo volunteers between the ages of 14 to 18.

For more information or to apply as a participant at Englishtown, visit www.vaughanvillage.com.